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Michael Saffioti possessed a small amount of marijuana, and died in a Washington State jail last year

Last year, 22-year-old Michael Saffioti turned himself in to police in Snohomish County, Washington for an outstanding warrant related to a marijuana possession charge. Authorities tossed the pot criminal in the county lockup, and he brought an arsenal of medications to treat the respiratory problems and severe allergies he had dealt with since childhood.

Despite being aware of his medical problems—inmates called him “Bubble Boy” and jail officials were previously required to prepare special meals for him—the next morning, Snohomish County Jail officials fed the young man dairy-containing food, causing an allergic reaction that killed Saffioti.

Earlier this year, Snohomish County Prosecutors declined to pursue charges against jail staff in the killing, and Saffioti’s mother criticized the county for initially citing food allergies as a main cause of death but downplaying that finding in their final report. Prosecutors contend that the man’s asthma was the main reason he died, a claim Saffioti’s mother says doesn’t change the fact that jail officials were negligent in her son’s death.

Now, a video obtained by KIRO 7 News reporter Graham Johnson shows the man’s final moments, and specifically captures the concerned inmate questioning jail staff about the contents of his morning oatmeal. After eating a few bites, he began experiencing an allergic reaction, and approached the guard desk while using his inhaler. Attorney’s for the dead man’s mother allege that jail staff refused the man medical treatment, and instead sent him to his cell.

According to KIRO 7 News, the video shows other inmates looking into Saffioti’s cell while the dying man jumped up and down. Attorneys allege that he pushed his call button seeking help, but jail staff ignored his pleas. Half an hour after he took a few bites of oatmeal, a guard found him unconcious un the floor of his cell. Staff nurses were called in, as was the county fire department, and Saffioti was pronounced dead half an hour later.

Saffioti’s mother was told by Snohomish County officials that the jail video did not exist. But that was a lie, and at least one investigative document referenced the video. Two weeks ago, Snohomish County relented, and provided the horrible video to Saffioti’s mother and news outlets..

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